58 ICRF Projects COMMENCING OCTOBER 2026 58 PROJECT TITLE PROJECT DESCRIPTION RESEARCH INSTITUTION COMPANY Electromagnetic control of pipeline biofilms with ClearWell™ EM technology and implications for microbially influenced corrosion Biofilm formation in metal pipes is a significant problem in many industries leading to fouling and corrosion. Biofilms in pipes are usually controlled with biocidal chemicals. The project aims to determine if a novel chemical-free technology that uses electromagnetic waves is effective in the control of detrimental biofilms. Newcastle University BP Exploration Operating Company Limited Data centre cooling system anti-biofilm treatment validation (BIOCOOL) Cooling systems for datacentres are critical, but they are also energy- and water-intensive components of modern critical infrastructure. Biofilm fouling causes health risks and increases water use and downtime. New and efficient treatments are needed but few specific biofilm solutions exist and validation is difficult. The project aims to validate performance of an anti-biofilm treatment. University of Southampton RBT Ltd Targeted Vaginal Delivery of Biofilm-Active Therapeutics (TARGET-V) Bacterial vaginosis (BV) represents a significant health/economic burden. Current treatments fail due antimicrobial resistance mediated by biofilm-based microbial communities. The team have developed a BV-targeting therapy which shows potent anti-biofilm and antimicrobial activity. This project will help finalise the therapeutic formulation of the drug prior to IND filing and clinical trials. Glasgow Caledonian University CC Biotech Ltd Increased yields of microbially synthesised polyesters for biobased textile fibres (MICRO-TEX) Upscaling polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) textile fibre synthesis from coffee waste, this project engineers robust Cupriavidus necator biofilms to transition from 3L to 17L bioreactors. Partnering with SO-G Technology Ltd, this project aims to overcome planktonic yield limits, delivering a commercially viable, biofilm- driven biomanufacturing platform for a circular textile bioeconomy. University of Leeds SO-G Technology Ltd Deployment-Ready Real-Time Control of Electroactive Biofilms in Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (DRIVE-MET) METzero and Newcastle University will develop a deployment-ready real-time control system for microbial electrochemical technologies (METs). The project will optimise electroactive biofilms during wastewater treatment while supporting safer, remotely operated and scalable industrial deployment pathways for next-generation resource recovery technologies. Newcastle University METzero Technologies LTD Rotating Spiral Bioreactor for Continuous High- Yield Production of Lignocellulolytic Enzymes Continuous production of hydrolytic enzymes in a novel high performance rotating spiral bioreactor is impeded by biofilm-induced biofouling. This collaborative project between Future Greens Farms Ltd, a Sheffield-based business, and the University of Sheffield seeks to overcome biofouling to ultimately enhance sustainable energy generation from waste. University of Sheffield Future Greens Farms Ltd Progression of a novel inorganic antibiofilm urinary catheter coating towards market This project will advance a novel antimicrobial coating for urinary catheters towards market readiness. The project aims to generate essential safety, biocompatibility and antimicrobial performance data using internationally recognised standards and realistic laboratory models, supporting regulatory approval and future clinical translation to help reduce catheter associated infections. Nottingham Trent University MetalloBio Ltd
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